Waterproof running shoes – model overview for 2025

Who should choose waterproof running shoes?

Waterproof running shoes have been designed for people, who:

• run not only in summer but also in transitional periods or all year round;
• want to run regardless of weather conditions;
• want to run cross-country without getting their feet wet;
• prefer running at dawn or dusk, when grass is damp from dew.

If waterproof shoes are ideal for any season of the year and difficult conditions, why aren't all shoes waterproof? There are a few reasons:

• Membrane is moisture permeable but doesn’t ensure breathability known from regular running shoes made from mesh. With intense exercise and warm weather, heat wicking can be inadequate. Waterproof shoes are therefore more suitable for cold days when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius.

• Water, which enters the shoes from the top won’t get out easily.

• Waterproof shoes require special care in order to preserve the membrane’s properties.

• Running is for everyone and everyone runs in a different way. Therefore, there are running shoes on the market with different features and at different prices. Those who only run on warm, dry days on paved roads would not benefit from the membrane.

  Summing up: buy running shoes with a membrane if you want to run all year round, cross-country and at any time of day. Waterproof shoes are just ideal for users, who lead irregular lifestyles, do not have a fixed running season and cannot afford to let bad weather limit their activity. Many models are adapted for specific needs, such as running on soggy ground or skyrunning.

Waterproof shoes for outdoor running – our ranking

Below you will find a set of popular (not without a reason) models, which can be recommended. We’ve also prepared a ranking of the best waterproof running shoes for women - you will find them later in this article. We’ve also prepared a set of the best waterproof running shoes for women - you will find them below in the article. odoodpornych.

#1 Waterproof men’s running shoes Brooks Ghost 15 GTX

Updated version of popular shoes for everyday training. The new upper ensures better adjustment and cushioning.

Gore-Tex® membrane provides waterproofing. It was also used in the mesh upper as an integrated layer. The shoes adjust to the feet thanks to the 3D FIT PRINT technology. Comfort and the flow of running is provided by the middle sole with a DNA LOFT v2 created to absorb impacts. They weigh barely 289 g.

Waterproof Brooks Ghost 15 GTX running shoes have been designed for users, who want to be active during any weather. They will serve you well in rain and snow. Ideal adjustment and waterproof uppers increase the protection against the entry of moisture from above..

#2 Men’s trail shoes Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

Salomon Speedcorss 6 GTX shoes are ideal if you want to run on slippery and muddy ground. The new improved version is even lighter and has better grip.

The shoes are waterproof and windproof thanks to the Gore-Tex® membrane. Mud Contagrip® sole has been designed to ensure perfect grip on a muddy surface. It is characterised by aggressive and deep treads with high efficiency in draining even sticky mud**.** SensiFit™ upper and the system of quick lacing ensure ideal feet adjustment. The materials used to make the middle sole ensure cushioning and a resilient step. They will serve you well during training and competitions.

#3 Waterproof men’s running shoes On Running Cloudrunner 2 Waterproof

Waterproof version of the classic Cloudrunner 2 is a training shoe recommended for runners with pronation.

Waterproof membrane keeps the feet dry during running on a rainy weather. The run is smooth, dynamic and springy thanks to the shoe's rocker geometry and the new improved Helion™ CloudTec foam sole - slightly higher and more responsive than its predecessor Zero Gravity™.

For who is this model? For anyone who wants to run regardless of the weather and forget that they wear shoes on their feet.

Women’s waterproof running shoes – recommended models

Women’s shoes aren’t smaller versions of men’s or unisex shoes. Good running shoes for women consider anatomical differences, such as different proportions of width, length and height of the feet.
Read below and discover our recommendations of the best women’s waterproof shoes for running.

#1 Women’s trail shoes La Sportiva Bushido II GTX

La Sportiva Bushido II GTX are versatile shoes which you can wear for running in a park, on a mountain trail or even for skyrunning.

Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit membrane, which is laminated directly to the upper, provides very high moisture resistance and good breathability. This makes the boot lightweight, comfortable to wear and quicker to wick away moisture than a standard Gore-Tex® membrane.

An impressive number of proprietary technologies are responsible for the safety, stability and comfort of the shoe in all conditions: a cushioning EVA insole, the Stability Control System frame that makes the shoe wrap around the foot like a sock, the dual-density La Sportiva Frixion Red® sole with Impact Brake System that absorbs impact especially when running downhill, the breathable OrthoLite® Hybrid MR E insole, and finally the aforementioned Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit water- and windproof membrane.

These are shoes for the most demanding female runners, who don't mind either the weather conditions or the difficulty of the route. You can reach the clouds in them - literally.

#2 Waterproof running shoes for women On Running Cloudrunner 2 Waterproof

Waterproof version of Cloudrunner 2 have been designed for training during any weather, they’re recommended for runners, who pronate.

The membrane keeps the feet dry even during running in the rain. Elasticity and dynamics of running is ensured by the rocker shoe geometry and new updated sole with a new Helion™ CloudTec foam, which replaced Zero Gravity™, offering even better responsiveness. It’s a great choice for runners, who value a simple but characteristic design and above all, the comfort of running in perfectly matched shoes.

#3 Women’s trail shoes Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

Speedcorss 6 GTX are very lightweight (just 279 g) waterproof running shoes for muddy ground, suitable for training and competitions. Specially designed treads in the Mud Contagrip® sole quickly wick away mud while providing good grip.

The upper wraps the foot tightly but does not restrict movement. Adjusting the shoes to the feet takes just a moment thanks to the quick lacing system. The EnergyCell™+ midsole with highly flexible materials is responsible for excellent cushioning and bouncy rebound. The shoes are waterproof and windproof thanks to the Gore-Tex® membrane. They are the perfect choice for female cross-country runners, whether practising the sport amateur or professionally.

Gore-Tex® vs Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit

Most waterproof running shoes have a membrane that blocks water molecules in a liquid state, but releases water vapour molecules. This is possible because of the size difference between the two molecules.

Membranes are manufactured by different companies and in a variety of variants. The models mentioned above mainly use Gore-Tex® and Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit membranes. What are the differences?

Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit, unlike the regular Gore-Tex® membrane, is permanently bonded to the upper by laminating the membrane layer and the footwear material. This reduces the weight of the shoe and also makes the membrane even more efficient in wicking away moisture, so that even with intense exercise, the foot will not get sweaty. Pressing the membrane into the shoe also increases the comfort and flexibility of the shoe and extends the life of the membrane itself, as there is no friction between the two layers.

Both membranes effectively protect against moisture and wind. However, if you want special comfort, lightweight footwear or are prone to sweating easily, you will get more benefits from waterproof footwear with a Gore-Tex® Invisible Fit membrane.